absurd whims

Our intellect, naturally, always conspires on behalf of our likes and desires. It's a more or less sophisticated device, which supplies arguments, all manner of argument, to prop up our most absurd whims. I'd like to know if this kind of intellect serves any other purpose. The Gray Notebook, Pg.80

еще один несносный наблюдатель.

иногда исключительно забавно:

Nobody would deny, I believe, that mountains are well made. If anyone dissents... it is their problem. Some people are never happy.

записки у изголовья, в общем: I prefer pleasant ladies to beautiful ones;